After a life-changing health scare, this former athlete is embracing a more balanced approach to fitness rooted in strength, recovery, and self-awareness.

For some women, fitness is about aesthetics. For others, it’s about performance. But for Dorreka Faulkner, it’s something deeper. It’s about resilience, self-awareness, and learning how to honor your body through every season of life.

At 34, the Gainesville, Georgia native and Juvenile Probation Officer has experienced both the highs and the hard lessons that come with an active lifestyle. A former collegiate basketball player, fitness has always been a core part of who she is. The discipline, drive, and mental toughness she developed on the court followed her long after that chapter ended.

But everything shifted after a serious health scare. She was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis, a condition that occurs when muscle tissue breaks down from extreme strain and releases proteins into the bloodstream that can be harmful to the body, including the kidneys. That experience forced her to slow down, listen to her body in a new way, and rethink how she approached fitness. Now, her routine is rooted in balance, recovery, and longevity, not just intensity.

Grounded in her faith and guided by her favorite scripture, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13), Dorreka approaches every workout, every challenge, and every goal with purpose. Whether she’s powering through a bootcamp workout or choosing rest when her body needs it, she’s a reminder that consistency doesn’t mean perfection. It means showing up with intention.

We caught up with Dorreka to talk about her fitness journey, how she stays consistent, and what PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT means to her.

Tell us how your winning photo came about.

My winning photo came from a shoot called “Victory Lap” with an Atlanta photographer who wanted to celebrate people and their accomplishments in the fitness industry. I loved the idea because fitness is about so much more than physical results — it’s about discipline, confidence, growth, and showing up for yourself over and over again. That photo captured a moment where I felt proud of how far I’ve come, not just physically, but mentally too. It felt like the perfect representation of my journey and everything fitness has given me.

Please briefly share your fitness journey with us.

Fitness has always been a huge part of my life. I played basketball for years, including two years at the collegiate level, and the sport taught me discipline, resilience, and how to push myself beyond what I thought I could do. After an injury ended that chapter, I stayed active and continued to find new ways to challenge myself.

However, after being hospitalized for five days with rhabdomyolysis, my perspective on fitness shifted. That experience taught me the importance of truly listening to my body and respecting its limits. Now, I prioritize staying active while also being intentional about recovery and balance. Fitness is still a huge part of my life, but it is now rooted in longevity, self-awareness, and taking care of my overall well-being.

We believe fitness + friendship = FUN! What is your favorite group fitness workout?

If I had to pick a favorite group fitness workout, it would definitely be a bootcamp-style HIIT workout. I love the energy, the variety, and being surrounded by people who are pushing themselves right alongside you. There’s something really motivating about working hard as a group. Of course, I also love a good run — especially when it’s with other people who make the miles feel a little easier and a lot more fun.

How do you push through on days when you don’t feel like working out? What keeps you consistent?

On the days I don’t feel like working out, I remind myself that consistency matters more than motivation. There are a lot of things in life you may not want to do in the moment, but you keep the bigger picture and end goal in mind and do them anyway. Fitness is the same way. You have to keep showing up for yourself, even on the days when it feels hard or inconvenient. Those are usually the days that matter the most.

While working out is essential, so is eating the right foods. What is your go-to pre-workout meal? How do you refuel after a workout?

I usually do not eat much before a workout, but if I do, it is something light and easy to digest like a banana or a granola bar. I do not like feeling too full before moving my body. After a workout, I try to refuel with protein as soon as possible. One of my favorite post-workout morning meals is oatmeal and eggs because it is simple, filling, and gives me a good balance of protein and carbs.

What is one item that is always in your gym bag?

I have to have my headphones!

What are your top 3 fitness Instagram accounts to follow?

1. @trainwithnads
2. @ailam_w
3. @oreyfit

What are the top three goals you hope to accomplish in life?

One of my biggest goals in life is to make a positive impact on the people around me and inspire others to live healthier, more confident lives. I also want to continue growing personally and professionally, always challenging myself to step outside of my comfort zone. Most importantly, I want to build a life that I am proud of — one that is full of purpose, happiness, and meaningful relationships.

What do the words PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT mean to you?

To me, PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT means confidence, strength, and showing up as your best self. It is a reminder that being “pretty” is about so much more than physical appearance. It is about how you carry yourself, how you take care of your mind and body, and the confidence that comes from doing hard things.

Since PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT, what is your favorite deodorant?

My go-to deodorant is Dove Advanced Care: Cool Essentials

How can readers stay in touch with you on social media?

My Instagram handle is is @dorrekanicole and my TikTok handle is @dorreka.

From high-energy workouts to hard-earned lessons in recovery, Dorreka is living proof that strength isn’t one-dimensional. It’s built through discipline, shaped by experience, and sustained by self-awareness. Her journey is a reminder that pushing your limits is powerful, but understanding them is even more important. And if there’s one thing she makes clear, it’s this: showing up for yourself, in whatever way your body needs, is always a win.

And for more empowering content from women who sweat with purpose, check out @prettygirlssweat on Instagram!

Want to share your wellness journey with us? Tag @prettygirlssweat in your favorite fitness photos on instagram for a chance to win PGS merch and a feature on prettygirlssweat.com.